Operation Green Scheme - History, Objectives, Features, Strategies, Benefits & Challenges

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are chemical compounds of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine atoms. They have non-toxic and non-flammable properties. CFCs find applications in producing aerosol sprays, foams, packing materials, solvents, and refrigerants. They belong to the category of halocarbons. They are compounds containing carbon and halogen atoms. Each CFC molecule is identified with a distinct numbering system. It indicates the count of carbon, hydrogen, fluorine, and chlorine atoms. For instance, a CFC number like 11 specifies the composition of these atoms in the molecule. The chlorofluorocarbons chemical formula is CCl2F2.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS exam. It covers a significant part of the Environment subject of the General Studies Paper-3 syllabus and current events of national importance in UPSC prelims. 

In this article, we shall study the applications, properties and effects of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) UPSC.

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What are Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are nontoxic, nonflammable chemicals containing carbon, chlorine, and fluorine atoms. They are used to manufacture aerosol sprays, blowing agents for foams and packing materials, solvents, and refrigerants. CFCs are classified as halocarbons, compounds containing carbon and halogen atoms. Individual CFC molecules are labeled with a unique numbering system.

For example, the CFC number of 11 indicates the number of atoms of carbon, hydrogen, fluorine, and chlorine (e.g. CCl3F as CFC-11).

Know more about the Kyoto Protocol. 

Structure of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC structure)

Carbon atoms form bonds with tetrahedral symmetry in CFCs, similar to simpler alkanes. Due to the differing sizes and effective charges of fluorine and chlorine atoms compared to hydrogen, methane-derived CFCs deviate from perfect tetrahedral symmetry. The physical properties of CFCs and HCFCs can be adjusted by altering the number and type of halogen atoms present. Overall, CFCs are volatile but less so compared to their parent alkanes. The reduced volatility is attributed to the molecular polarity caused by the halogen atoms, which leads to intermolecular interactions.

Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFCs)

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are a class of chemicals that were developed as replacements for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs were found to be damaging the ozone layer. The HCFCs were developed as a less harmful alternative. However, HCFCs still have some negative environmental impacts, so they are also being phased out.

Trichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11)

Trichlorofluoromethane, also known as CFC-11, Freon 11, or R-11, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC). It is a colorless, faintly ethereal, sweetish-smelling liquid that boils around room temperature. CFC-11 is a Class 1 ozone-depleting substance that damages Earth's protective stratospheric ozone layer. Trichlorofluoromethane is a man-made chemical that was first synthesized in 1928. It was used as a refrigerant, propellant, and blowing agent in a variety of products, including foam insulation, aerosol cans, and fire extinguishers.

Know more about Carbon Tax. 

Properties of Chlorofluorocarbons

• The physical properties of CFCs and HCFCs can be altered by changing the number and type of halogen atoms.
• Compared to their parent alkanes, the properties of CFCs and HCFCs are somewhat predictable.
• The decreased volatility of CFCs and HCFCs is attributed to the molecular polarity induced by halides, which leads to intermolecular interactions.
• The boiling points of chloromethanes range from 51.7°C (CF2H2) to 128°C (CF4), while methane boils at 161°C.
• CFCs with chloride atoms have higher boiling points than those with fluoride atoms because chloride is more polarizable.
• CFCs are effective solvents due to their polarity, and their boiling points make them suitable for use as refrigerants.
• CFCs have lower flammability compared to methane due to the presence of fewer C-H bonds and the ability of released halides (e.g., chlorides and bromides) to suppress free radicals that sustain flames.
• CFCs generally have a higher density than their corresponding alkanes.
• The density of these compounds is typically proportional to the number of chloride atoms present.

Know more about the Carbon Cycle. 

Applications of Chlorofluorocarbons

There are some of the applications of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs):

• Refrigerants: CFCs were used in refrigerators, air conditioners, and other cooling appliances. They are non-toxic, non-flammable, and have a high heat capacity, making them ideal for these applications.
• Propellants: CFCs were used as propellants in aerosol cans. They are inert and do not react with the contents of the can. It makes them safe for use in food and cosmetics.
• Blowing agents: CFCs were used as blowing agents in foam insulation. They are inert and do not react with the other components of the foam. It makes them a safe and effective way to create lightweight and durable insulation.
• Solvents: CFCs were used as solvents in various applications, including degreasing, cleaning, and dry cleaning. They are non-toxic and have high solvency, making them ideal for these applications.

Know more about Carbon Footprint. 

Major Sources of Chlorofluorocarbons

Here are the major sources of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs):

• Refrigerants: CFCs were used as refrigerants in refrigerators, air conditioners, and other appliances. They were also used as propellants in aerosol cans.
• Solvents: CFCs were used as solvents in the production of foams, plastics, and other products.
• Firefighting foams: CFCs were used in firefighting foams.
• Aerosol propellants: CFCs were used as propellants in aerosol cans, such as those used for hairspray and deodorant.
• Blowing agents: CFCs were used as blowing agents in the production of foams, such as those used in insulation and packaging.

Know more about the Environment Conventions & Protocols. 

Effect of CFCs on the Environment

Here are the effects of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) on the environment:

• Ozone depletion: CFCs are one of the main contributors to ozone depletion. When CFCs break down ozone molecules, they create a hole in the ozone layer. This allows more ultraviolet radiation to reach the Earth's surface. This can cause health problems such as skin cancer, cataracts, and immune system suppression.
• Global warming: CFCs are also a greenhouse gas, which means they trap heat in the atmosphere. This contributes to global warming, which is a long-term rise in the average temperature of the Earth's climate system.
• Ocean acidification: CFCs can also contribute to ocean acidification. When CFCs break down, they release chlorine and bromine atoms. These atoms react with seawater. They form acids that can damage coral reefs and other marine life.
• Decreased agricultural productivity: CFCs can also lead to decreased agricultural productivity. Ultraviolet radiation can damage plants, reducing crop yields and leading to other problems.
• Harmful to wildlife: CFCs can also be harmful to wildlife. Ultraviolet radiation can damage the eyes of animals. CFCs can also disrupt the endocrine system of animals.

Know more about the Montreal Protocol.

Chlorofluorocarbons and Ozone Depletion

While acting to destroy ozone, CFCs and HCFCs also trap heat in the lower atmosphere, causing the earth to warm and climate and weather to change. HFCs, originally developed to replace CFCs and HCFCs, also absorb and trap infrared radiation or heat in the earth's lower atmosphere. HFCs, CFCs and HFCs are a subset of a larger group of climate-changing gases called greenhouse gases (GHGs). Taken together, greenhouse gasses are expected to warm the planet by 2.5 to 8 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the century.

HFCs, CFCs and HFCs contribute an estimated 11.5% to the present-day effect of GHGs on climate and climate change. Some effects of global climate change include:

• Rising sea levels
• Local natural species extinctions and habitat loss
• More frequent heavy rainfall and flooding
• High heat stress in summer
• Increasing health risks from insect and water-borne diseases

Know more about the Difference between the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement. 

Effects of Chlorofluorocarbons on Humans

Chlorofluorocarbons, commonly referred to as CFCs, are non-combustible liquids that were, at one time, frequently used as refrigerants and aerosol propellants, as well as for cleaning products. Since scientists linked CFCs to the depletion of the ozone layer, they have been largely phased out, but old refrigerators and other devices that use CFCs might still be in service. Through inhalation, digestion or other physical contact, and exposure to harmful levels of ultraviolet rays, CFCs can negatively impact human health.

Inhaling CFCs

According to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Sciences, CFC inhalation affects the central nervous system. The result is intoxication similar to alcohol, including lightheadedness, headaches, tremors and convulsions. Inhalation of CFCs can also disturb the heart rhythm, leading to death. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to large amounts of CFCs could potentially cause asphyxiation.

Other CFC Exposure

Humans can come in contact with CFCs through ingestion or skin contact. After dermal interaction with CFCs, some people might have skin irritation or dermatitis. According to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Sciences, exposure to pressurized CFCs, such as that from a refrigerant leak, can cause frostbite on the skin. According to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, direct skin exposure to CFCs has not been linked to cancer. Ingestion of CFCs can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or other upset in the digestive tract.

Immune System Deficiency

CFCs can generally impair the human immune system, and scientists have linked direct exposure to problems with the central nervous system. These problems might include difficulty breathing or injury to the heart, kidneys and liver. The University of Georgia also reports that overexposure to the sun suppresses overall immune function or the skin’s natural defenses.

Skin Cancer and Eye Damage

CFCs contribute to the loss of the protective ozone layer, which blocks ultraviolet rays from the sun. This exposes more people to UV radiation, which can cause skin cancer. According to the University of Georgia, one in five Americans develops skin cancer in his or her lifetime. Even if they don’t develop skin cancer, some individuals experience wrinkled, thick or leathery skin from too much sun exposure. Additionally, increased contact with ultraviolet rays can cause cataracts, macular degeneration and other eye damage.

CFC-11

CFC-11, known as trichlorofluoromethane, is one of several chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) chemicals initially developed as refrigerants in the 1930s.

It took many decades for scientists to discover that when CFCs break down in the atmosphere, they release chlorine atoms that can rapidly destroy the ozone layer, which protects us from ultraviolet light. Excessive amounts of some types of UV radiation can cause skin cancer and eye damage in people and are harmful to crops and other vegetation.

A gaping hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica was discovered in the mid-1980s.

The international community agreed to the Montreal Protocol (an international pact to preserve the layer of ozone) in 1987, which outlawed chlorofluorocarbons for almost all uses.

Following the ban, global concentrations of CFC-11 declined steadily until about 2012. The pace of the slowdown dropped by half from 2013 to 2017.

One tonne of CFC-11 is equivalent to around 5,000 tonnes of CO2, leading to a decline in the ozone layer and an increase in the earth’s overall temperature. China urgently needs to take action against the use of this gas.

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Operation Green Scheme is a government initiative launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The scheme aims to boost the production and supply of fruits, vegetables, and other perishable agricultural commodities. It is being implemented in two phases.

Operation Green Scheme is an important scheme from the perspective of UPSC Prelims, General Studies Mains and Interview perspective. Time and again, questions have been asked about schemes related to agriculture in the UPSC IAS exam. This article will discuss in a detailed way the objective behind the Operation Green Scheme along with its features, strategies, benefits and the challenges associated with it.

What is Operation Green Scheme?

Operation Green Scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS). It was implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW). The scheme aims to increase the area under cultivation of pulses and oilseeds in the country. It provides financial help to farmers for taking up cultivation of pulses and oilseeds. 

Background of Operation Green Scheme

Operation Greens is a scheme launched by the Government of India in April 2016. It boosts the production and supply of fruits, vegetables, and other perishable commodities. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is implementing the scheme. It is implemented through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED). 

NAFED has set up a special-purpose vehicle called the National Agricultural Market (NAM). The NAM has been set up in 585 markets across the country. The Operation Green Scheme has been a success in increasing the supply of agricultural commodities. The scheme has also helped to improve the prices received by farmers.

Know more about the National Agriculture Market (eNAM).

Objectives of Operation Green Scheme

• Price stabilization: By implementing proper production planning in the TOP clusters and introducing dual-use varieties.
• Enhancing value realization: Through targeted interventions to strengthen TOP production clusters and their Farmer Producers Organizations(FPOs), and then linking/connecting them with the proper market.
• Reducing post-harvest losses: By creating farm gate infrastructure, developing suitable agro-logistics, creating appropriate storage capacity, along with linking consumption centers.
• Increasing food processing capacities: By Increasing the food processing capacities and value addition in the TOP value chain, keeping the firm linkages with production clusters.
• Market intelligence network: Setting up a robust market intelligence network by using the latest technology to collect and collate real-time data on the demand, supply, and price of TOP crops.

For the UPSC examination and other competitive examinations, learn about multiple government schemes that are initiated with different objectives.

Major Features of Operation Green Scheme

• The scheme is based on a two-pronged strategy of Price stabilization measures (for the short term) and integrated value chain development projects (for the long term).
• The eligible entities under Operation Greens are Food processors, FPOs/FPCs, Co-operative Societies, Individual farmers, Licensed Commission Agents, Exporters, State Marketing/Cooperative federations, Retailers, etc., engaged in the processing/ marketing of fruits and vegetables.
• Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) will provide a subsidy at the rate of 50% of the cost of the following two components, subject to the cost norms:
  • Transportation of qualified, eligible crops from a surplus production cluster to a consumption center;
  • Hiring of appropriate storage facilities for the eligible crops under this scheme (for a maximum period of three months)
• The pattern of assistance will comprise a subsidy at the rate of 50% of the eligible project cost in all areas, subject to a maximum of Rs. 50 crores per project. However, in the case where PIA is/are FPO(s), the grant-in-aid will be at the rate of 70% of the eligible project cost in all areas, subject to a maximum of Rs. 50 crores per project.
• The Operation Green Scheme is a demand-driven scheme, and funds are allocated on the basis of applications received. No crop-wise/state-wise funds are allocated under the scheme.

Know more about the Agreement on Agriculture!

Strategies Under Operation Green Scheme

Operation Greens Scheme has two main strategies:

Short-term price stabilization measures

• Financial support is provided to farmers. The export of TOP crops is promoted to stabilize their prices.
• A 50% subsidy is given for the transportation and storage of TOP crops. This reduces production and marketing costs for farmers. It ensures reasonable prices for consumers.
• In times of excess production, surplus crops are moved from producing areas to consumption centers. This is to prevent price crashes and ensure availability at reasonable prices.

Long-term integrated value chain development projects

• The entire value chain for TOP crops includes production, processing, and marketing. This chain is developed to enhance efficiency and increase farmers' income.
• Financial help is provided to develop cold chain infrastructure. This ensures safe and hygienic storage of TOP crops and year-round availability to consumers.
• Cultivation of TOP crops is encouraged in various regions. This is to mitigate weather-related risks and ensure continuous availability for consumers.

Learn more about the Indian Council for Agricultural Research!

Significance of Operation Green Scheme

• When the production of vegetable commodities at the grower’s end increases sharply, the market price of commodities crashes because there is not enough modern storage capacity available and when there is an off-season of growing a particular fruit or vegetable, then the prices sharply increase at the consumer’s end. Therefore, the scheme of Operation Greens seeks to solve the problem of storage capacity and price volatility.
• Operation Green Scheme aims to strengthen the links between processing and organized retailing, which is very weak as of now.
• By launching Operation Green Scheme, the government aims to replicate the success of Operation Flood in fruits and vegetables and to double the income of farmers by the end of 2022.
• Through Operation Greens, the government focuses on basic ingredients rather than emphasizing additional commodities in agriculture.

Learn more about the Agricultural Costs and Prices Commission!

Benefits of Operation Green Scheme

Benefits to farmers

• Decrease post-harvest losses: Operation Green will save the farmers from post-harvest losses by providing robust infrastructural support and enhancing storage capacity.
• Fair Price realization: By targeted interventions and linking farmers/FPOS with the e-NAM, producers will be saved from distress selling and will get a fair price for the produce.
• Stabilization of Prices: Through a market intelligence network, real-time data on demand and supply will be easily accessed, and this scheme will help in proper decision-making and stabilization of Prices.

Benefits to Food Processors

• Capacity building: Proper linkage of farmers/FPOs with the production clusters of the TOP value chain will increase the Capacity of food processing.
• Market intelligence network: The food processing value chain can make use of real-time data on demand and supply to plan their production.

Operation Green Scheme– Launch Kisan Rail and Krishi Udan

• Kisan Rail
  • The initiative of Kisan Rail ensures agro-products, especially perishable products, reach from one corner to another corner of the country in a quick time through faster transportation, benefitting both the farmers and the consumers.
  • The first Kisan Rail train between Devlali (Maharashtra) and Danapur (Bihar) was launched on August 7, 2020.
• Krishi-Udan 
  • Krishi Udaan Scheme stands converged with Operation Greens through an air freight subsidy of 50 percent for the agri-perishables of NER (North-Eastern Region) States and four Himalayan States/UTs.
  • In October 2021, Krishi Udan Scheme 2.0 was launched. All the airports of the NER States, including Assam, are covered under the Krishi udan 2.0.

Know more about the Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM)!

Challenges Towards Operation Green Scheme

• Non-Homogeneity: Unlike milk, there are multiple varieties of TOP vegetables grown in different climatic conditions and in different seasons in different parts of the country, which makes processing and storage more complex.
• Lack of technological development: The technology development for long-term storage, transport, and processing is still in the nascent stage.
• Under-developed Organized market: In India, at present, the share of the organized market is very small in relation to total production. Developing it at an organized level will take time and incur high costs, along with behavioral change.
• No Institutional Support: Unlike the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in the case of Operation Flood, the Operation Green Scheme is not provided with any kind of institutional support.
• No leadership face: Operation Flood was headed by Dr Verghese Kurien, who is respected for his/her independence as well as commitment and competence but making MoFPI the nodal agency for implementing Operation Green with faceless leaders (joint secretaries who can change from one ministry to another at the drop of a hat) is not very promising.

Learn more about the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund!

Pattern of Assistance under the Scheme

• Grants-in-aid will be provided at a rate of 50% of the eligible project cost in all areas, with a maximum limit of Rs. 50 crores per project.
• If the Participating Implementing Agency (PIA) is a Farmer Producer Organization (FPO), the grant-in-aid will be at a rate of 70% of the eligible project cost in all areas. The maximum limit is Rs. 50 crores per project.
• The eligible organizations mentioned below can take part and avail of financial help.
  • State Agriculture and other Marketing Federations
  • Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO)
  • Cooperatives
  • Companies
  • Self-help groups
  • Food processors
  • Logistic operators
  • Service providers
  • Supply chain operators
  • Retail and wholesale chains
  • Central and state governments and their entities/organizations

Know more about APMCs.

Major fruits And vegetables Covered under the Operation Green Scheme?

Note: Any other fruit/vegetable can be added in the future on the basis of recommendation by the Ministry of Agriculture or State Government.

Learn more about the International Fund for Agricultural Development!

Way Forward

• There is a requirement to connect consumption and production centers with the minimum possible intermediaries. It’s also critical to connect the processing business with organized commerce so that around one-fourth of the product is processed.
• The government can reduce widened price volatility by creating strong forward and backward linkages, increasing farmers’ share of the price paid by consumers while also ensuring lower prices for consumers – a win-win situation for all.

UPSC/PSC Questions on Operation Green Scheme

Q1. What is Operation Greens related to? [HPSC 2017]

• Use of Paramilitary forces against Naxalites in Maharashtra
• Use of Paramilitary forces against Naxalites in Chattisgarh
• Tomato Onion Potato
• Round Revolution

Download the PDF on Operation Green Scheme- Economy Notes for the UPSC Exam!

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